Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand

Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown

Outty Ranking 66 4.9 · 83 traveler reviews7 hoursFrom $1,251
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Outty Ranking

66/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 83 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown worth booking?

Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown is a 7-hour experience in Queenstown, New Zealand, from $1,251 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 83 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
66 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (83)
Duration
7 hours
From
$1,251 per person

The one-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown to the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki Mount Cook is certainly spectacular, but the highlight of this trip is the glacier Heli Hike. The experienced guides will take you into a deep part of the glacier via a scenic helicopter flight. The helicopter passes over the deep crevasses of the icefalls and waterfalls to land on the Tasman glacier itself. From there you’ll be fitted with crampons for the two hours on the ice, exploring caves and seeing the natural, ever-changing wonder of the glacier in the South Island of New Zealand.

What you get

    About this experience

    The one-hour fixed-wing flight from Queenstown to the Tasman Glacier in Aoraki Mount Cook is certainly spectacular, but the highlight of this trip is the glacier Heli Hike. The experienced guides will take you into a deep part of the glacier via a scenic helicopter flight. The helicopter passes over the deep crevasses of the icefalls and waterfalls to land on the Tasman glacier itself. From there you’ll be fitted with crampons for the two hours on the ice, exploring caves and seeing the natural, ever-changing wonder of the glacier in the South Island of New Zealand.

    What's included

    Included

    • Scenic helicopter flight to Tasman Glacier landing site
    • Scenic round-trip fixed-wing flight between Queenstown & Mt Cook
    • Transfers between central Queenstown accommodations and departure terminal
    • Hiking boots, crampons, and all glacier safety equipment
    • Guaranteed window seat on the plane
    • Professional mountaineering guide
    • Guided glacier hike (approx. 2 hours)

    Not included

    • Lunch (please bring your own food/snacks as time is limited in Mt Cook)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Queenstown

      Collections from Queenstown Central Hotels start 50 minutes prior to flight departure. Alternatively, we have free parking at our office in Frankton, where you'll check in.

      50 minutes here

    2. Check in at our Remarkables Park Town Centre departure lounge, where you will be weighed and receive a safety briefing. Get there nice and early, grab a hot coffee or some snacks in the shopping centre whilst you wait for your flight to depart.

      30 minutes here

    3. Take off from Queenstown Airport on a 1 hr scenic flight, getting to see the beauty of the surrounding area

      Pass by without stopping

    4. Lake Wanaka

      Great views of Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and Lake Ohau from above

      Pass by without stopping

    5. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

      Get some stunning views of Mt Cook and the surrounding Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, including some of the 3,000 glaciers and alpine lakes in the region. You'll land at Mt Cook Airstrip after approximately 1 hour of scenic flying.

      60 minutes here

    6. Mt. Cook Village

      Check in with our guiding partners, gear up with the provided appropriate hiking equipment and receive a safety briefing from your experienced guide.

      60 minutes here

    7. Tasman Glacier

      Take a 10 to 15 minute heli ride up onto the Tasman Glacier ice. Here you will be left with your experienced guide to strap on your crampons and start hiking. Spend 2 hours exploring the ice features before the helicopter returns to fly you back to base.

      150 minutes here · Admission included

    8. Mt. Cook Village

      Arriving back at the guiding base, your pilot will be waiting for you to escort you back to the plane.

      5 minutes here

    9. Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)

      Enjoy a 1 hr return scenic flight to Queenstown, taking a different flight path for maximum sightseeing on the way back.

      60 minutes here

    10. Arriving back at the departure lounge, a driver will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation, or you will be able to collect your parked car.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Queenstown

    Check in at our office 30 minutes prior to departure. We are located in the Remarkables Park Town Centre, near Queenstown Airport, with free all-day parking. Park near the New World supermarket and walk across the carpark entrance to our building on the corner of the main road (Hawthorne Drive).

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 50 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Check in at our office 30 minutes prior to departure. We are located in the Remarkables Park Town Centre, near Queenstown Airport, with free all-day parking. Park near the New World supermarket and walk across the carpark entrance to our building on the corner of the main road (Hawthorne Drive).

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    True South Flights

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Children and weight restrictions apply. Max weight: 150 kg (331 lbs) per traveler.
    • Guides provide safety instructions in English only. Travelers must understand English or be accompanied by a translator.

    Photos

    Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown, photo 2Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown, photo 3Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown, photo 4Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown, photo 5Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown, photo 6Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 83 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Organization

    7 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Physical effort

    5 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    3 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    83 verified traveler reviews for Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    80
    4 star
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    3 star
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    Sort
    U1777WXguyb · September 2026

    Walking on water (frozen)

    Great flights and guides. Thanks to Dan for a smooth flight.

    via Tripadvisor

    Som_B · July 2026

    A Phenomenal, Once‑in‑a‑Lifetime Adventure

    Our Tasman Glacier Heli‑Hike Tour from Queenstown, booked through Viator, was an absolutely unforgettable experience from start to finish. The day began with an early‑morning one‑hour scenic flight from Queenstown to Mount Cook Airport — a breathtaking journey over dramatic alpine ranges, shimmering lakes, and snow‑covered peaks. The views alone were worth the trip, and the flight crew made the experience smooth, safe, and enjoyable. Upon arriving at Mount Cook, the adventure continued with a spectacular helicopter ride onto the Tasman Glacier. Landing on the ice felt surreal, and the two‑hour guided heli‑hike was nothing short of extraordinary. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about the region. We explored towering ice formations, deep crevasses, and stunning blue ice structures that looked like something from another world. The entire experience was exceptionally well‑organised, with seamless coordination between the flight team, helicopter crew, and glacier guides. Every moment felt special, immersive, and truly unique. This tour is a must‑do for anyone visiting Queenstown — it’s a bucket‑list adventure that delivers incredible scenery, expert guidance, and memories that will last a lifetime. We couldn’t recommend it more highly.

    via Viator

    annamE6100MV · April 2026

    You are in Safe Hands!!

    We had the experience of a lifetime with this fabulous organisation taking us to the Tasman Glacier. I wish to assure travellers that you are in Great Hands when venturing on this amazing trip. Lily our Airvan pilot is phenomenal, Ben the Helicopter pilot is amazing and Ollie our guide is perfect for taking people to this remote spot and increasing the wonder. And before all that, all of the crew were excellent commentators for this unique experience. Book it.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much, I really enjoyed flying you up to Mount Cook. So glad you had a great time on the flight and hike! - Lily

    via Tripadvisor

    Wander62907020073 · April 2026

    A Bucket List day, done right!

    We had a wonderful day today on the Tasman Glacier tour, bookended by two great flights with Lily as our pilot. Having spent years as an aviator my self, in my experience Lily was both very professional, and very personable. Both flights were faultless, enjoyable and who could ask for more than two super smooth landings. Thank you. The rest of the day was absolutely amazing as well. Two great Helicopter rides too and from the Glacier, and topped off by our awesome guide Ollie on the glacier. So knowledgeable, friendly, and with safety in mind showed us so much in our time there! Highly recommend, not just these two individuals but the organisations they work for! Tas :-)

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm so glad you had a great day out on the Tasman Glacier. - Lily

    via Tripadvisor

    golightlygl · April 2026

    Best adventure of our trip so far

    The scenic flight from Queenstown was amazing (thanks Lily) when we had thought it was going to be pure transport. Then the copter journey and the hike on the ice. The highlight of our trip so far and we've done a tonne of stuff.!

    Response from the operator: So glad to hear you enjoyed the tour, thanks so much for flying with me! - Lily

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    7 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $1,251 to $2,149
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    29
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by True South Flights, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 69.3.

    See everything True South Flights runs

    Why this scores 66

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)92
    Review evidence (18% weight)60
    Booking momentum (14% weight)54
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)78
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Queenstown.

    How much does Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown cost?

    +

    Prices start at $1,251 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Queenstown usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown take?

    +

    Plan for about 7 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Queenstown is not rushed.

    Is Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 83 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Queenstown, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown?

    +

    Around 29 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Queenstown can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Queenstown and add a light layer if any part of the 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Queenstown within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Queenstown?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Queenstown experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Premium Milford Sound Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Milford Sound Premium Small Group Tour & Cruise from Queenstown, Lord of the Rings Scenic Half Day Tour from Queenstown. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Queenstown?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Queenstown?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown?

    +

    Included: Scenic helicopter flight to Tasman Glacier landing site; Scenic round-trip fixed-wing flight between Queenstown & Mt Cook; Transfers between central Queenstown accommodations and departure terminal; Hiking boots, crampons, and all glacier safety equipment; and Guaranteed window seat on the plane. Not included: Lunch (please bring your own food/snacks as time is limited in Mt Cook). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 19 listed pickup locations in and around Queenstown. Be ready about 50 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Tasman Glacier Heli-Hike Tour from Queenstown?

    +

    Across 83 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

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